Dementia disorder
Dementia is a mental disorder which mainly affects a person`s cognitive and intellectual ability. It also disrupts a person daily activities. The disease has been associated mostly to ageing due to but with enhancement in molecular biology and medical genetics; its causes have been found. The actual reason is not entirely found. This paper will take into consideration o patient with dementia and give a short overview of the causes, signs and symptoms, risk assessment problem-solving design approach and impacts on family members and friends.
- Dementia typically occurs due to brain damage. Brain damage results to communication impairment. In the patient case study, there is a manifestation of memory loss and cognitive impairment. This scenario shows that his brain has been damaged due accident or any other straining cause to the brain. The hypothalamus part of the brain is responsible for memory and learning. When the part is affected, the earliest symptoms of dementia, such as memory loss will be depicted. The symptoms of dementia vary. The main symptoms, however, include memory loss, difficulty in communication, loss of visual perception, poor reasoning and judgement and inability to focus. In the present case study, the patient is experiencing severe memory loss and communication problems. Dementia patient can also experience significant health problems. For the case study, a patient will develop severe loss of appetite, which may result in malnutrition. The disease may also lead to fungal and bacterial infections because the patient will not be able to carry out simple hygienic duties such as bathing, brushing and correct use of the toilet.
- Due to cognitive inabilities and memory loss, the patient will not assess the ability and quality of life. The patient will carry out day to day activities, but it may lead to falls, and personal safety will be a challenge. The most significant cause of falls in the given case study is improper balance and physical weakness due to memory disruption and visual misperceptions. The patient needs to be assessed to determine the level of brain damage. A mini-mental examination is an evaluation done to analyses an individual`s cognitive ability. The study is carried out to learn cognitive skills which are utilized daily. A score ranging from 20 to24 shows mild dementia, score of 13 to 20 reveal moderate dementia and less than 13 means a patient has severe dementia.
- The ability to process, perceive information and providing correct responses are progressive unavailable with a dementia patient. The main communication strategies with such people include five dimensions such as the utilization of easy language, orientation, body language and clear understanding of the environment. The orientation comprises of proper position of an individual while communicating with the patient. Eye contact is also essential during the discussion because he will interpret the body language. Selecting the appropriate environment will assist in enhancing the ability of the patient during communications. Loud noise should be minimized because it affects the ability to focus.
- From the present case study, there is a need for apparent problem-solving approaches to promote autonomy and interdependence. First, one should list his strengths and weakness, which will eradicate the patient`s aggressive nature. Also, physiotherapy will make him independent because it will give muscle strength and improve motor abilities. Exercise regularly will also assist him in gaining confidence that will motivate him.
- Dementia patient cause extreme emotional, the physical and financial burden to family members. It will give them stress. Family members fi the patient need maximum support from health, social, legal and economic institutions so that they can quickly adapt to the circumstance. Family members and caregivers will be affected emotional because coping up with the change in the dementia patient is often difficult. There will be a rise in cessation relation between the patient and other due to agitation and aggressive nature of the patient.